Packers Host Vikings In Key NFC North Matchup

By: Michael Robinson | Friday, November 30, 2012

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
NFL Betting Preview
Date: 12/2/2012 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Green Bay -9½, O/U 47
(click for latest NFL odds)
Television: FOX

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings (6-5 straight-up, 4-6-1 against the spread) are coming off a 28-10 loss at Chicago as 6½-point underdogs. They now trail the Bears by two games in the NFC North and the Packers by one. Minnesota is still firmly in the playoff chase but needs to solve its road woes at 1-4 SU and ATS this year. Quarterback Christian Ponder has struggled the last five games, completing just 56.4 percent of his passes compared to 68.6 percent in his first six. Star running back Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing (1,236 yards) and needs to take the pressure off Ponder this week. Peterson’s shoulder injury appears fine, but he’s still in Coach Leslie Frazier’s doghouse after missing the team bus last week.

Green Bay: The Packers (7-4 SU, 5-6 ATS) had a five-game winning streak snapped last week with a 38-10 blowout loss at the Giants. They now return to the comfy confines of Lambeau Field, where they have won four straight (2-2 ATS). Green Bay is expected to get receiver Greg Jennings (groin) back for the first time since September, but his snaps should be limited (click to check updated NFL injury report). His return will help the passing game while the running game has not been much help (100.7 yards per game, ranked 23rd). The pass defense is ranked 22nd (244.3 ypg) but will be without sack artist Clay Matthews Jr. again. This is the first meeting between the teams this year. Green Bay has won four in a row (3-1 ATS) against the Vikes, and the "over" is 7-1 in the last eight encounters.

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